Pipe connectors and systems

ABSTRACT

A pipe connector includes a housing body arranged to receive a length of pipe including an end section having an enlarged diameter. A locking member split into two or more segments selectively connectable together around the length of pipe outside the housing body. The locking member is configured to lock the length of pipe within the housing body. At least one sealing member is positionable on the length of pipe between the end section and the locking member. At least one sealing member is compressible inside the housing body between the enlarged diameter of the end section of the locking member. A retaining member is positionable on the length of pipe and attachable to the housing body. The retaining member can secure the locking member to the housing body such that the locking member fills a gap outside the housing body between the length of pipe and the retaining member.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.15/726,542, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,641,420, which claims the benefit ofand priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/555,402, now U.S.Pat. No. 9,784,393, which claims the benefit of and priority to, U.S.provisional patent application 61/911,704, entitled “Push ConnectFittings, Systems, and Methods of Use,” filed Dec. 4, 2013; U.S.provisional patent application 61/990,230, entitled. “Push Fittings andMethods of Use,” filed May 8, 2014; and U.S. provisional patentapplication 62/049,240, entitled “Push Connect Fittings.” filed Sep. 11,2014, each of which is hereby incorporated herein in its entirety bythis reference.

BACKGROUND

Plastic and metal pipes have long been used for the conveying of fluidssuch as liquids and gases. These pipes can include connectors orfittings utilized to connect together different sections of pipe. Suchfittings must be capable of providing a fluid tight seal over a range oftemperatures, pressures and a variety of exterior ambient conditions.For instance, air conditioning systems for office buildings andresidential buildings often include an indoor unit and an outdoor unitthat are connected together by a gaseous refrigerant pipe and a liquidrefrigerant pipe to form a refrigerant circuit. These refrigerant pipesare commonly copper pipes utilizing copper fittings, such as standardcouplings, tees, and elbows, to connect respective lengths of each pipetogether. Typically, in this type of connection neither the lengths ofcopper pipe nor the fittings have threads. Instead, the fittings haveopenings designed to receive and surround the entire circumference ofthe end portion of the pipe such that the pipe is held snugly againstthe interior surfaces of the opening in the fitting. A flux/soldercombination or solder is then used to create a fluid-tight seal betweenthe fitting and the length of pipe.

This type of connection tends to suffer from a number of drawbacks. Forexample, soldering the pipe and fitting together can be time consumingand labor intensive. Consequently, the cost of connecting the pipes canbe expensive. Additionally, due to space restrictions or otherconditions related to the soldering work, connecting the pipe andfittings can be hazardous and/or present a fire danger. In manysituations the fitting is soldered onto the pipe at a distance that isonly inches away from a building. Another drawback of this connectionsystem is that a user cannot solder a pipe with moisture in the pipebecause steam will develop and pressurize the pipe so that the solderdoes not flow in between the pipe and the fitting.

SUMMARY

The disclosure describes various embodiments of a pipe connectorproviding a construction and design allowing for a safer and quickerconnection to pipes or other components. The embodiments described caninclude a housing body defining an axial bore arranged to receive alength of pipe. A plurality of sealing members can be positioned in astacked configuration within the axial bore. The sealing members definea first opening through which the length of pipe can pass and arearranged to form a seal between the length of pipe and the housing body.A locking member can be positioned in the axial bore above the sealingmembers. The locking member defines a second opening and the length ofpipe is movable through the second opening in a first direction. Thelocking member engages the length of pipe when the pipe is forced in asecond direction opposite the first direction to form a one-way stop.

According to an embodiment, the locking member can be a segmented collarsplit into two or more segments that are arranged to be coupled togetheraround the length of pipe. A bottom portion of the segmented collar candefine a locking edge having a sharpened configuration arranged to formthe one-way stop when engaged with the pipe.

Additional features and advantages of the disclosure will be set forthin the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from thedescription, or may be learned by the practice of the invention. Thefeatures and advantages of the disclosure may be realized and obtainedby means of the instruments and combinations particularly pointed out inthe appended claims. These and other features of the present disclosurewill become more fully apparent from the following description andappended claims, or may be learned by the practice of the disclosure asset forth hereinafter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the presentdisclosure will become better understood regarding the followingdescription, appended claims, and accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a pipe connector according toan embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a view of the pipe connector shown in FIG. 1 in assembledform, with a pipe inserted into the bore of the housing body.

FIG. 3 is view of the pipe connector shown in FIG. 1 in assembled form,connected to a barbed attachment assembly.

FIG. 4 is a cross-section view of the assembly shown in FIG. 2 takenalong line 4-4.

FIG. 5 is a detailed cross-section view of the housing body shown inFIG. 2, with a pipe inserted in the bore of the housing body.

FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of a pipe connector according toanother embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a view of the pipe connector shown in FIG. 6 in assembledform, with a swaged pipe inserted into the bore of the axial bore.

FIG. 8 is a cross-section view of the assembly shown in FIG. 7 takenalong line 8-8.

FIG. 9 is a cross-section view of the locking member shown in FIG. 8.

FIG. 10 is an exploded view of a pipe connector according to anotherembodiment.

FIG. 11 is an exploded view of a pipe connector according to anotherembodiment.

FIG. 12 is a simplified schematic illustration of a refrigeration systemutilizing any of the pipe connectors disclosed herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF VARIOUS EMBODIMENTS

A better understanding of different embodiments of the disclosure may behad from the following description read with the accompanying drawingsin which like reference characters refer to like elements.

While the disclosure is susceptible to various modifications andalternative constructions, certain illustrative embodiments are in thedrawings and described below. It should be understood, however, there isno intention to limit the disclosure to the embodiments disclosed, buton the contrary, that the intention covers all modifications,alternative constructions, combinations, and equivalents falling withthe spirit and scope of the disclosure.

Further, the exemplary embodiments of the pipe connectors are generallydescribed being used with copper refrigerant pipes, however, it will beappreciated that the pipe connectors can be used in a number ofdifferent applications and with a variety of different types of pipe,including, but not limited to, polyvinyl chloride (“PVC”) pipes,cross-link polyethylene (“PEX”) pipes, iron pipes, steel pipes, brasspipes, aluminum pipes, rubber pipes, or any other suitable type of pipe.Moreover, the term “pipe” can mean a pipe, a tube, a hose, a line,and/or any other conduit.

With reference to FIGS. 1-5, an exemplary embodiment of a pipe connectorcomprises a push connector 100 including a housing body 102, sealingmembers 104, a locking member 106, and a retaining member 108.

As seen in FIGS. 1-2, the housing body 102 can include an axial bore 110having a peripheral internal bore wall 112 and a bore central axis 114.The axial bore 110 can have any desired shape, but is shown having agenerally circular or cylindrical shape. The housing body 102 caninclude a housing top 116 and a housing bottom 118, and the axial bore110 is arranged so that the top opening 120 of the axial bore 110 islocated at or adjacent to the housing top 116 and the bottom opening 122of the axial bore 110 is located at or adjacent to the housing bottom118. This arrangement can allow fluid to flow through the housing body102. In other embodiments, the connector 100 can be configured as a capmember or a plug with the housing bottom 118 defining a closed bottom ofthe axial bore 110 arranged to prevent fluid through the housing body102.

The housing body 102 can be formed of a metal material. While thehousing body 102 is described comprising metal, it will be appreciatedthat other suitable materials are possible. For instance, the housingbody 102 may comprise polymers, a plastic material, a resin,carbon-based or other composites, combination thereof, or any othersuitable material. The construction of the housing body 102 can bedependent on a number of different factors, such as the anticipated sizeand/or type of pipe inserted in the connector 100, the type ofconnection to be made, the anticipated operating pressure, fluid type,user preference, and/or other factors.

The housing body 102 can include one or more connection features forconnecting the housing body 102 to other components. The housing body102 can include an upper threaded portion 134 located towards thehousing top 116 and a lower threaded portion 136 located towards thehousing bottom 118. The lower threaded portion 136 can facilitate anumber of different types of connections. For instance, as shown in FIG.3, the lower threaded portion 136 can facilitate connection of thehousing body 102 to a barbed attachment assembly 156 and ferrule 158.

Alternatively, the housing body 102 optionally may include wrench flatsdisposed about the outer periphery of the housing body 102. The wrenchflats can be arranged to receive a wrench or other tool for rotating theconnector 100 or resisting rotation of the connector 100 as needed. Thewrench flats can also be used to connect, disconnect, assemble, tighten,and/or disassemble the connector 100.

Referring now to FIGS. 4 and 5, the axial bore 110 includes an upperbore area 124 located toward the housing top 116, a lower bore area 126located towards the housing bottom 118, and intermediate bore area 128in between the upper bore area 124 and the lower bore area 126. Theupper bore area 124, the lower bore area 126, and the intermediate borearea 128 can be concentric with the bore central axis 114. The lowerbore area 126 can have a smaller diameter than the intermediate borearea 128. The intermediate bore area 128 can have a smaller diameterthan the upper bore area 124.

The upper bore area 124 can terminate at an upper radial shoulder orabutment 130. The intermediate bore area 128 can terminate at a lowerradial shoulder or abutment 132. The upper abutment 130 can optionallyinclude a chamfered edge, facilitating insertion of the pipe asdescribed below. The top opening 120 of the axial bore 110 includes anundercut recess that terminates at a top radial shoulder or abutment154.

The sealing members 104 can be positioned in the axial bore 110. Thesealing members 104 can be situated in the upper bore area 124 andsupported therein by the upper abutment 130. The sealing members 104 cancomprise a plurality of o-rings, each defining a through openingdimensioned to receive a portion or a length of a refrigerant pipe 140when the connector 100 is to be used, as will be discussed in moredetail below.

The sealing members 104 can be arranged in a stacked configuration andconfigured to resiliently compress between the bore wall 112 and therefrigerant pipe 140 when the refrigerant pipe 140 is inserted into theaxial bore 110. This can form a seal between the refrigerant pipe 140and the housing body 102, reducing the likelihood of leakage through theconnector 100.

The sealing members 104 can also reduce the effusion of refrigerantthrough the connector 100 to the environment. Effusion is the process inwhich a gas (e.g., Freon) escapes through a small hole. This occurs ifthe diameter of the hole is considerably smaller than the mean free pathof the molecules. It is common to have refrigerant in a refrigerationsystem matriculate through a gasket or porous member within arefrigeration system. For instance, over time molecules of refrigerantmay slowly move through pores in the body of a sealing member within aconventional connector.

Because the connector 100 includes a plurality of sealing members 104 inseries or in a stacked configuration within the axial bore 110, thesealing members 104 substantially reduce the likelihood of refrigerantescaping to the environment by forming multiple barriers or levelsthrough which the refrigerant must pass to escape the connector 100.This advantageously can increase the efficiency of a system within whichthe connector 100 is being used and is more environmentally friendly.

As seen the sealing members 104 may be situated closely side-by-side soas to touch each other. The sealing members 104 may be situated in sucha way that some of the sealing members 104 are spaced from one anotherand others are contacting one another. The sealing members 104 may bearranged such that all of the sealing members 104 are spaced apart fromone another.

The sealing members 104 can include any suitable material. For instance,the sealing members 104 can include rubber, synthetic rubber, polymers,elastomeric materials, soft metals, resins, combinations thereof, or anyother suitable material. The constructions of the sealing members 104may be dependent on a number of different factors, such as theanticipated size of the pipe, the type of connection to be made, ananticipated operating pressure, fluid type, user preference, safetystandards, and/or other factors. The sealing members 104 can includetwo, three, five, six, or any other suitable number of sealing members104.

The locking member 106 can be positioned above the sealing members 104within the axial bore 110. The locking member 106 can be dimensioned toreceive a portion of a length of the refrigerant pipe 140 when theconnector 100 is to be used.

As best shown in FIG. 1, the locking member 106 can include an annularring 142 and locking features 144 that, with the refrigerant pipe 140fully received in the axial bore 110 cooperate with the refrigerant pipe140 so as to function as a one-way stop. The ring 142 of the lockingmember 106 can be positioned on the top abutment 154.

The locking features 144 in the exemplary embodiment illustratedcomprise teeth 146 extending away from the ring 142 and terminating atends 148 that engage the outer diameter of the refrigerant pipe 140 toform a one-way stop when the refrigerant pipe 140 is fully received inthe axial bore 110. The teeth 146 can be angled radially inward anddownward from the ring 142 into the upper bore area 124. The teeth 146can be arranged in a generally frusto-conical array with a narrower endof the frustum of the cone facing the intermediate bore area 128.

The teeth 146 can be deformable, bendable and/or flexible and maydeform, pivot or flex radially or inwardly during use of the connector100 when the refrigerant pipe 140 is inserted into the axial bore 110.The teeth 146 may comprise one, two, four, ten, twenty, or any othersuitable number of teeth. The ends 148 of the teeth 146 when engagedwith the refrigerant pipe 140 will restrict translation of therefrigerant pipe 140 relative to the axial bore 110 when the pipe ismoved in any direction tending to remove the refrigerant pipe 140 fromthe axial bore 110. The end 148 of one or more of the teeth 146 caninclude a sharpened edge and/or point. The locking member 106 can beformed of any suitable material. The teeth 146 can be formed from amaterial this is deformable and harder than the refrigerant pipe 140.

The retaining member 108 can be attached to the housing top 116 andarranged to selectively retain the sealing members 104 and the lockingmember 106 in the axial bore 110. The retaining member 108 can includean internally threaded portion 150 arranged to threadedly connect to theupper threaded portion 134 of the housing body 102. Thus, the retainingmember 108 can be placed over the housing top 116, and threaded onto orunthreaded from the housing body 102. This arrangement allows access tothe locking member 106 and/or the sealing members 104 within the axialbore 110 by removing the retaining member 108 from the housing top 116,which, in turn, allows the locking member 106 and/or the sealing members104 to be customized, replaced, and/or inspected. The retaining member108 has an exemplary manipulating feature comprising wrench flats toenable rotation of the retaining member 108.

The retaining member 108 can define a central opening 152 concentricwith the axial bore 110. The central opening 152 can be arranged toreceive a portion of the free end area of the refrigerant pipe 140.

The retaining member 108 can include a pipe alignment feature comprisingan annular guide 155 surrounding the central opening 152 and extendingaxially away from the top of the retaining member 108. The annular guide155 can help limit unwanted movement of the refrigerant pipe 140 bydirecting the refrigerant pipe 140 being inserted into the axial bore110 in an axial direction. If the refrigerant pipe 140 is attempted tobe inserted out of this axial direction through the connector 100,difficulties can arise in properly connecting the connector 100 to therefrigerant pipe 140. The annular guide 155 provides a guide to keep therefrigerant pipe 140 substantially aligned in the axial direction,making the connector 100 easier to install.

Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, a person or end user installing theconnector 100 will insert a portion of the free end area of therefrigerant pipe 140 into the axial bore 110 via the central opening 152in the retaining member 108. The central opening 152 can centralize themovement of the refrigerant pipe 140 with respect to the bore centralaxis 114 and the annular guide 155 can direct the refrigerant pipe 140in the axial direction. As the refrigerant pipe 140 moves into the axialbore 110, the refrigerant pipe 140 reaches and slides through thelocking member 106, towards the bottom opening 122 of the housing body102. The refrigerant pipe 140 then can continue to advance through theaxial bore 110, where the refrigerant pipe 140 passes through andcompresses the sealing members 104 between the refrigerant pipe 140 andthe bore wall 112, forming a substantially fluid-tight seal between therefrigerant pipe 140 and the sealing members 104.

The refrigerant pipe 140 can advance through the axial bore 110 untilthe end of the refrigerant pipe 140 reaches or substantially reaches thelower abutment 132. The lower abutment 132 can provide a stop or limitmovement of the pipe within the axial bore. The lower abutment 132 canoffer an index or indictor so that the person installing the connector100 can tell whether the pipe as has been fully or properly insertedinto the axial bore 110 when using the connector 100.

As best shown in FIG. 5, the diameter of the intermediate bore area 128can be generally conical or tapered such that the further therefrigerant pipe 140 is inserted into the axial bore 110, the tighterthe fit between the bore wall 112 and the refrigerant pipe 140. Thetaper of the intermediate bore area 128 can further allow the axial bore110 to better accommodate the end of a refrigerant or line set pipewhich has been cut. This is beneficial because oftentimes inrefrigeration practice the refrigeration pipe is a softer metal pipe,allowing the installer to more easily manipulate the pipe in desiredlocations. Because of the softer nature of the pipe, the end of the pipeoften has a slight taper or necking where the installer applied pressureon the pipe with a cutting tool while cutting the pipe. The taper of theintermediate bore area 128 defines a fit that better corresponds to suchnecking of the pipe than a cylindrical bore as in the prior art.

Moreover, because the diameter of the cut end of the pipe varies fromcut to cut or from pipe to pipe, the taper of the intermediate bore area128 can better accommodate the pipe by connecting a wider range of sizesand shapes of the pipe end.

With the end of the refrigerant pipe 140 positioned on the lowerabutment 132, any axial movement of the refrigerant pipe 140 tending towithdraw the refrigerant pipe 140 from the axial bore 110, will resultin the teeth 146 biting or engaging the external surface of therefrigerant pipe 140 to effectively lock the refrigerant pipe 140 in theaxial bore 110. For instance, axial movement of the refrigerant pipe 140tending to withdraw the refrigerant pipe 140 from the axial bore 110,can cause the teeth 146 of the locking member 106 to bend upward andtoward the apex or annular ring 142 of the locking member 106. By sodoing, the refrigerant pipe 140 pushes the teeth 146 radially outward,which, in turn, forces the outer diameter of the locking member 106 toexpand radially.

As the outer diameter of the locking member 106 increases, the lockingmember 106 can become wedged between the refrigerant pipe 140 and thehousing body 102, forcing the teeth 146 to become even more engaged withthe refrigerant pipe 140.

This arrangement allows the connector 100 to be securely attached to therefrigerant pipe 140 without the need of soldering as in the prior art,substantially improving the safety and amount of time required toconnect the connector 100. Further, the strength of the connectionbetween the refrigerant pipe 140 and the locking member 106 can increasewith any backward movement of the refrigerant pipe 140 within theconnector 100. It will be appreciated that the described method of theinstalling the fitingconnector 100 is exemplary only, as a number ofdifferent steps are possible.

The connector 100 can optionally include a release mechanism fordisengaging the teeth 146 from the refrigerant pipe 140. The lockingmember 106 can include a segmented configuration such that the lockingmember 106 can be split into two and more segments and manually removedfrom the housing body 102 and the refrigerant pipe 140. Alternatively,the release mechanism can comprise a release ring.

A second exemplary embodiment of a pipe connector comprising a swageconnector 200 is shown in FIGS. 6-9. The swage connector 200 is arrangedto connect a swaged pipe to a fitting, a valve, a regulator, anotherpipe, or any other suitable component. A swaged pipe includes a swagedend section where the pipe tapers out, necks out, or flares out from afirst diameter to a wider second diameter. As shown, the swage connector200 can include a housing body 202, sealing members 204, a lockingmember 206, and a retaining member 208. It will be appreciated that theconnector 200 can be similar to and can include many of the same orsimilar features as the connector 100 described above.

The housing body 202 can include an axial bore 210 having a peripheralinternal bore wall 212 and a bore central axis 214. The axial bore 210can have any desired shape. The housing body 202 can include a housingtop 216 and a housing bottom 218.

The axial bore 210 can include an upper bore area 224 located toward thehousing top 216, a lower bore area 226 located towards the housingbottom 218, and an intermediate bore area 228 in between the upper borearea 224 and the lower bore area 226. The lower bore area 226 can have asmaller diameter than the intermediate bore area 228. The intermediatebore area 228 can have a smaller diameter than the upper bore area 224.The upper bore area 224 can terminate at an upper radial shoulder orabutment 230. The intermediate bore area 228 can terminate at a lowerradial shoulder or abutment 232.

The sealing members 204 can be situated in the upper bore area 224 andsupported therein by the upper abutment 230. The sealing members 204 cancomprise a plurality of o-rings, each defining a through opening. Thesize and inherent properties of the material of the sealing members 204can allow the sealing members 204 to be stretched over a swaged endsection 240A of the refrigerant pipe 240 such that the sealing members204 can be positioned on the narrower length or non-swaged section 240Bof the refrigerant pipe 240 following swaged end section 240A.

Similar to the sealing members 104, the sealing members 204 can bearranged in a stacked configuration and configured to resilientlycompress between the bore wall 212 and the refrigerant pipe 240 when therefrigerant pipe 240 is inserted in the axial bore 210, forming a sealbetween the refrigerant pipe 240 and the housing body 202. As describedabove, this also can reduce the rate of effusion of refrigerant throughthe sealing members 204.

The locking member 206 can be positioned above the sealing members 204and supported on the housing top 216. When the locking member 206 ispositioned on the housing top 216, a portion of the bottom of thelocking member 206 can engage the housing top 216 and a portion of thebottom of the locking member 206 can extend over the sealing members 204in the axial bore 210.

As best shown in FIG. 9, the locking member 206 can comprise a collarexhibiting a cylindrical configuration having an outer surface 262, alower radial flange 264, and a radial groove 266 formed in the outersurface 262 above the lower flange 264.

The locking member 206 can be segmented (e.g., split into two or morepieces). For instance, the locking member 206 can be split diametricallyalong a split line 277 with two semicircular halves that are detachablyconnected together around the non-swaged section 240B of the refrigerantpipe 240. The split line 277 can define locking segments, can begenerally linear, can be curved, and/or can exhibit any other suitableconfiguration. The split line 277 can be the same or can be different ondifferent sides of the locking member 206.

The halves of the locking member 206 can be detachably connectedtogether by a segment coupling member or band member 260 selectivelypositionable in the radial groove 266. The band member 260 can beelastomeric or can include any suitable material. Alternatively, thesegment coupling member 260 and/or the radial groove 266 can be omitted.For instances, the segments of the locking member 206 can be configuredto snap or lock together around the refrigerant pipe 240.

When the locking member 206 is assembled, it can define a centralopening 268. The central opening 268 can be dimensioned to surround thenon-swaged section 240B of the refrigerant pipe 240 in such a way thatthe locking member 206 prevents the swaged end section 240A of therefrigerant pipe 240 from moving through the locking member 206,securing the refrigerant pipe 240 within the connector 200.

Like the locking member 106, the locking member 206 can include one ormore additional locking features 244 that, with the refrigerant pipe 240fully received in the axial bore 210, cooperate with the refrigerantpipe 240 so as to function as a one-way stop, helping to safely securethe refrigerant pipe 240 within the connector 200. The bottom area ofthe locking member 206 can define a locking edge or end 272 having asharpened configuration. When the locking edge 272 is engaged with therefrigerant pipe 240 it forms a one-way stop. The locking edge 272 canengage the non-swaged section 240B and/or the swaged end section 240A ofthe refrigerant pipe 240. The locking edge 272 can be formed from amaterial that is harder than the refrigerant pipe 240.

The locking edge 272 can extend completely around the periphery of thelocking member 106 or the locking edge 272 can extend around one or moreportions of the periphery of the locking member 106. The locking edge272 can comprise a single structure or a plurality of structures. Thelocking edge 272 can comprise a bevel or taper extending from the lowerflange 264 toward a bottom diameter of the central opening 268. Thelocking edge 272 can be angled radially inward from the bottom diameterof the central opening 268 toward a longitudinal axis of the lockingmember 206. The locking edge 272 can include a serrated edge.

Alternatively, the locking feature 244 can comprise an expandableportion of the locking member 206 that expands radially inward inresponse to a treatment, forming an interference fit between the lockingmember 206 and the refrigerant pipe 240. The expandable portion of thelocking member 206 can be located toward the top, middle, and/or bottomof the locking member 206. The treatment can comprise the presence ofrefrigerant, a chemical treatment, an ultraviolet light treatment, aheat treatment, or any other suitable treatment.

While, the locking member 206 is described including two halves, thelocking member 206 can be constructed as three, four, or any othersuitable number of segments that may be joined around the refrigerantpipe 240. In other embodiments, the locking member 206 can includemultiple rows of locking edges.

Referring again to FIG. 8, the retaining member 208 can be attached tothe housing top 216 and arranged to selectively retain the lockingmember 206 over the axial bore 210. The retaining member 208 can have acap-like configuration include a top wall 274 and a peripheral sidewall276. The top wall 274 can define an opening 278 dimensioned to allow thenon-swaged section 240B and the swaged end section 240A of therefrigerant pipe 240 to pass therethrough. The sidewall 276 of theretaining member 208 can include an internally threaded portion 280arranged to threadedly connect to the upper threads 234 of the housingbody 202

The opening 278 (shown in FIG. 6) formed in the top wall 274 can bedimensioned such that when the retaining member 208 is attached to thehousing body 202, the internal surface of the top wall 274 surroundingthe opening 278 engages the lower flange 264 of the locking member 206.This allows the retaining member 208 to secure the locking member 206between the retaining member 208 and the housing body 202.

In use, a person or end user installing the connector 200 can pass theswaged end section 240A and the non-swaged section 240B of the pipethrough the opening 278 of the retaining member 208 while the retainingmember 208 is detached from the housing body 202. The segments of thelocking member 206 can then be connected together around the non-swagedsection 240B of the pipe 240. After the retaining member 208 and thelocking member 206 are positioned on the non-swaged section 240B of thepipe 240, the sealing members 204 removed from the housing body 202 arestretched over the swaged end section 240A and positioned on the pipe240 between the retaining member 208 and the swaged end section 240A.

The swaged end section 240A and a portion of the non-swaged section 240Bof the pipe can then be inserted through the axial bore 210 of thehousing body 202. The refrigerant pipe 240 can move through the axialbore 210 until the end of the refrigerant pipe 240 reaches orsubstantially reaches the lower abutment 232. This can locate thesealing members 204 already positioned on the pipe 240 in the upper borearea 124 such that the sealing members 204 can form a seal between thepipe 240 and the housing body 202.

With the end of the refrigerant pipe 240 positioned on or near the lowerabutment 232, the retaining member 208 can be threadedly connected tothe upper threads 234 of the housing body 202, securing the lower flange264 of the locking member 206 between the interior surface of the topwall 274 of the retaining member 208 and the housing top 216. As seen inFIG. 8, this arrangement advantageously allows the locking member 206 toeffectively fill the gap created between the non-swaged section 240B ofthe pipe 240 and the opening 278 in the retaining member 208.

With the end of the refrigerant pipe 240 positioned on or near the lowerabutment 232 and the retaining member 208 secured over the lockingmember 206 on the housing body 202, any axial movement of therefrigerant pipe 240 tending to withdraw the refrigerant pipe 240 fromthe axial bore 210 will result in the locking member 206 locking therefrigerant pipe 240 in the axial bore 210. Further, the locking edge272 of the locking member 206 can engage the external surface of therefrigerant pipe 240, helping to prevent the refrigerant pipe 240 frombacking out of the connector 200. This beneficially allows the connector200 to be quickly and safely connected to the pipe without soldering oradhesives as in the prior art.

It will be appreciated that the described method of the installing theconnector 200 is exemplary only, as a number of different steps arepossible. For instance, the locking member 206 can be coupled togetheraround the non-swaged section 240B of the pipe 240 after the sealingmembers 204 are positioned on the pipe 240 and/or after the insertion ofthe pipe 240 into the axial bore 210.

A third exemplary embodiment of a pipe connector comprising a pushconnector 300 is shown in FIG. 10. The connector 300 can include ahousing body 302, a sealing member 304, a locking member 306, and aretaining member 308. It will be appreciated that the connector 300 canbe similar to and can include many of the same or similar features asthe connectors described above.

The housing body can include an axial bore 310 having a peripheralinternal bore wall 312 and a bore central axis. The axial bore 310 canhave any desired shape. The housing body 302 can include a housing top316 and a housing bottom 318.

The axial bore 310 can include an upper bore area 324 located toward thehousing top 316, a lower bore area 322 located toward the housing bottom318, and an intermediate bore area 328 located between the upper borearea 324 and the lower bore area 322. The intermediate bore area 328 canhave a smaller diameter than the upper bore area 324. The upper borearea 324 can terminate at an upper radial shoulder or abutment 330. Theintermediate bore area 328 can terminate at a lower radial shoulder orabutment.

The sealing member 304 can be situated in the intermediate bore area 328and supported therein by the lower abutment. The sealing member 304 cancomprise an elongate, cylindrical tubular member and can include anysuitable material. The sealing member 304 can have a height that isgreater than about 0.8 times, about 1 times, about 1.2 times, or about1.5 times an outer diameter of the sealing member 304. In otherembodiments, the height of the sealing member may be greater or smallerrelative to the outer diameter of the sealing member 304. The sealingmember 304 can include at least one edge exhibiting a radius. The topopening of the sealing member 304 can be chamfered or may include aradius to facilitate insertion of the pipe into the sealing member 304.

When the end of a pipe is inserted in the axial bore 310, the sealingmember 304 is configured to be radially compressed between the pipe andthe bore wall 312 to provide a seal between the pipe and the housingbody 302. The length of the sealing member 304 can help form the sealbetween the sealing member 304 and the pipe by increasing the contactsurface area between the sealing member 304 and the pipe. The diameterof the intermediate bore area 328 can be constant or variable. Forinstance, the diameter of the intermediate bore area 328 can begenerally conical or tapered such that the further the pipe is insertedinto the intermediate bore area 328, the greater the compression of thesealing member 304 between the pipe and the housing body 302.

The locking member 306 can be positioned above the sealing member 304within the upper bore area 324. The locking member 306 can be supportedwithin the upper bore area 324 by the upper abutment 330. The lockingmember 306 can include a ring member 342 having a cylindrical sidewall378 extending axially along the bore central axis. The sidewall 378 canbe substantially continuous or may include one or more cutouts orrelieved portions. The sidewall 378 can have a height arranged to helpbrace the locking member 306 against the bore wall 312 in use. Anannular rim 382 can extend radially inward from the sidewall 378. Therim 382 can exhibit a curved contour or any other suitable shape.

The locking member 306 can include one or more locking features 344. Thelocking feature 344 can comprise a plurality of teeth 346 angledradially inward and toward the intermediate bore area 328. The teeth 346may be arranged in a generally frusto-conical array with the narrowerend of the cone facing the intermediate bore area 328. The teeth 346 mayform an angle between about 25 degrees and about 50 degrees, betweenabout 30 degrees and about 47 degrees, or between about 35 degrees andabout 40 degrees relative the rim 382. In other embodiments, the teeth346 may form a larger or smaller angle relative to the rim 382. Theteeth 346 can exhibit any suitable configuration. The free end or tip ofat least one of the teeth 346 can include a sharpened edge and/or point.

The retaining member 308 can define a central opening 352 generallyconcentric with the axial bore 310. The central opening 352 can bearranged to receive a portion of the free end area of a pipe orrefrigerant pipe.

With the pipe fully inserted in the axial bore 310, any axial movementof the pipe tending to remove the pipe from the connector 300, willcause the teeth 346 to bend upward toward the rim 382 of the lockingmember 306. By so doing, the pipe pushes the teeth 346 radially outward,which, in turn, forces the sidewall 378 of the locking member 306 toexpand radially against the bore wall 312. The height of the sidewall378 can increase the surface contact area between the locking member 306and the bore wall 312, increasing the connection strength. As thesidewall 378 expands radially, the locking member 306 is arranged tobecome wedged between the pipe and the bore wall 312, causing the teeth346 to become even more engaged with the pipe. This allows the connector300 to be quickly and safety connected to the pipe without soldering oradhesives as in the prior art. Further, the strength of the connectionbetween the pipe and the locking member 306 can increase with backwardmovement of the pipe within the connector 300.

A fourth exemplary embodiment of a pipe connector comprising a slipconnector 400 is shown in FIG. 11. The connector 400 can include ahousing body 402, a sealing member 404, a locking member 406, and aretaining member 408. It will be appreciated that the connector 400 canbe similar to and can include many of the same or similar features asthe connectors described above.

The sealing member 404 can include a through channel 488 having aperipheral internal channel wall 490 defining an upper channel area 492and a lower channel area 493. The upper channel area 492 can have asmaller diameter than the lower channel area 493. The upper channel area492 and the lower channel area 493 can be generally concentric with acentral axis of the housing body 402.

The connector 400 can further include a contraction member 484 and anexpansion member 486, both of which can enhance the seal formed by thesealing member 404.

The expansion member 486 can be positioned within the lower channel area493 of the sealing member 404. The expansion member 486 is arranged toexert a radially outward force on the peripheral internal channel wall490 so as to further compress the sealing member 404 against theperipheral internal bore wall of the axial bore.

The expansion member 486 can exhibit any suitable configuration. Theexpansion member 486 can comprise a resilient member, a torsion spring,a coiled spring, a resilient clip, resilient clamp, a variable spring, aflat spring, a machined spring, a helical spring, or other suitablemember. The expansion member 486 can define a central passageway 487arranged to allow the pipe to pass therethrough. The expansion member486 can include any suitable number of coils.

The expansion member 486 can include a lower arm and an upper arm. Asthe upper and lower arms are moved toward each other, the diameter ofthe expansion member 486 is decreased. This assists a user in insertingthe expansion member 486 within the sealing member 404.

The contraction member 484 is positionable on the outer surface of thesealing member 404 toward the top of the sealing member 404. Thecontraction member 484 is arranged to apply a substantially constantradially inward force on the sealing member 404 such that the sealingmember 404 compresses tighter against the pipe, enhancing the sealbetween the sealing member 404 and the pipe. The contraction member 484can comprise a torsion spring, a coil spring, a resilient clip, aresilient clamp, a variable spring, a flat spring, a machined spring, ahelical spring, or any other suitable member.

The contraction member 484 can define a central passageway 496dimensioned to receive the portion of the sealing member 404 surroundingthe upper channel area 492. The contraction member 484 can include ashorter arm 498 and a longer arm 401. The shorter arm 498 can engage thehousing body 402. The longer arm 401 is arranged to allow the user tomove the contraction member 484 between a loaded position and anunloaded position.

In the loaded position, the stored mechanical energy in the contractionmember 484 can exert a radially inward force on the sealing member 404to compress the sealing member 404 against the pipe. In the unloadedposition, the stored mechanical energy is released such that the forceexerted on the sealing member 404 by the contraction member 484 issubstantially reduced and/or eliminated.

The housing body 402 can define slots 403 arranged to accommodate thearms 498, 401 as the contraction member 484 is moved between the loadedand unloaded position. The slots 403 can exhibit any suitableconfiguration.

An exemplary refrigeration or air conditioning system 800 utilizing anyof the connectors disclosed herein is illustrated in FIG. 12. The airconditioning system 800 can include an indoor unit 803 located inside ofa building 805 and an outdoor unit 807 located outside of the building805.

A first pipe 809 arranged to convey gaseous refrigerant and a secondpipe 811 arranged to convey liquid refrigerant can be connected to theindoor unit 803. The first and second pipes 809, 811 can extend from theindoor unit 803 through the wall of the building 805. A third pipe 813arranged to convey gaseous refrigerant and a fourth pipe 815 arranged toconvey liquid refrigerant can be connected to the outdoor unit 807.

The first pipe 809 can be fluidly connected to the third pipe 813 via afirst connector 817 and the second pipe 811 and the fourth pipe 815 canbe fluidly connected together via the second connector 819. Theconnectors 817, 819 can be any of the connectors disclosed herein. Thisadvantageously allows the outdoor unit 807 to be operatively connectedto the indoor unit 803 in a less hazardous and efficient manner. Forexample, the outdoor unit 807 can be operatively connected to the indoorunit 803 without having to use a soldering gun to solder the respectivelengths of the pipes together next to the wall of the building 805.

Moreover, the construction of the connectors 817, 819 can be configuredto account for a number of different factors, such as the sizes of theliquid and gaseous refrigerant lines, the anticipated operatingtemperature of the air conditioning system 800, and/or other factors.Further, the system 800 may include the use/installation of a pluralityof connectors. For example, a connector may be used to connect thegaseous refrigerant pipe to the indoor unit 803 and another connector toconnect the same gaseous refrigerant pipe to the outdoor unit 807.

The same principles can apply to the liquid refrigerant line. Forinstance, a connector may be used to connect the liquid refrigerant lineto the indoor unit 803 and another connector may be used to connect thesame liquid refrigerant line to the outdoor unit 807. It will beappreciated that each refrigerant line (liquid or gaseous) may includethe use of one, two, three, five, or any other suitable number ofconnectors throughout as installation may require.

While the connectors are illustrated connecting copper pipes of an airconditioning system, it will be appreciated that the connectors can beutilized in any number of different applications and with a variety ofdifferent types of pipes.

Although a single locking member is described, other numbers of lockingmembers are possible, including two, three, four, or any other suitablenumber. For instance, the connector 100 can be configured as a slip-slipconnector arranged to be connected two lengths of unthreaded pipestogether with a first locking member located toward the housing top andanother locking member located toward the housing bottom.

While the housing body is shown including a cylindrical configuration,in other embodiments, the housing body can include a generallyelliptical, generally triangular, generally square, generallyrectangular, generally polygonal, other shapes having arcuate and/orlinear portions, combinations thereof, or any other suitableconfiguration. While the axial bore is described including differentdiameters and/or abutments, it will be appreciated that in otherembodiments the axial bore can have a constant diameter and/or canexhibit any suitable configuration. While the central openings aredescribed as being centrally located, in other embodiments, the centralopenings can be non-central or located toward one side or another of themember.

It will be appreciated that the connector can exhibit any suitableconfiguration. For instance, the connector can be configured as a tee, aunion, a coupling, an elbow, or any other suitable type of connector.The connector may be a stand-alone component or may be integral with orattached to other components, such as, for example, a valve, a tank, aregulator, or any other suitable device.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A pipe connector comprising: a housing bodyhaving an axial bore arranged to receive a length of pipe including anend section having an enlarged diameter and a non-enlarged diameter; alocking member split into two or more segments selectively separable andconnectable together for positioning the locking member around thenon-enlarged diameter of the end section outside the housing body; atleast one sealing member positionable on the length of pipe between theenlarged diameter of the end section and the locking member, the atleast one sealing member compressible inside the housing body betweenthe enlarged diameter of the end section and the locking member; and aretaining member positionable on the length of pipe and attachable tothe housing body, the retaining member arranged to secure the lockingmember to the housing body such that the locking member fills a gapformed outside the housing body between the length of pipe and theretaining member, wherein when the locking member is secured to thehousing body the locking member defines a central opening sized andconfigured to surround the non-enlarged diameter of the end sectionoutside the housing body and to secure the enlarged diameter of the endsection within the axial bore of the housing body by preventing theenlarged diameter of the end section from moving through the lockingmember.
 2. The pipe connector of claim 1, wherein the locking membercomprises a segmented collar defining a radial flange.
 3. The pipeconnector of claim 2, wherein a bottom edge of the segmented collardefines a locking edge having a sharpened configuration arranged toengage the length of pipe.
 4. The pipe connector of claim 1, wherein anouter surface of the locking member defines a radial groove and asegment coupling member is positionable in the radial groove.
 5. Thepipe connector of claim 1, wherein the length of pipe comprises arefrigeration pipe.
 6. A pipe connection system comprising: a pipeincluding a swaged end section defining an enlarged diameter; and a pipeconnector arranged to be secured to the pipe, the pipe connectorincluding: a housing body; a locking member positionable on the housingbody; a plurality of sealing members positionable on the pipe betweenthe swaged end section of the pipe and the locking member, the sealingmembers compressible on the pipe between the swaged end section and thelocking member; and a retaining member attachable to the pipe andarranged to secure the locking member to the housing body, the lockingmember split into two or more segments selectively connectable togetheraround the pipe outside of the housing and arranged to lock the swagedend section of the pipe within the housing so that the locking memberfills a gap formed outside the housing body between a non-swaged sectionof the pipe and an opening defined in the retaining member.
 7. The pipeconnection system of claim 6, wherein the pipe comprises a hose member.8. The pipe connection system of claim 6, wherein the pipe comprises arefrigerant pipe formed of metal.
 9. An air conditioning systemcomprising: at least one air conditioning unit; a pipe including aswaged end section defining enlarged diameter; and a pipe connectorarranged to secure the pipe to the at least one air conditioning unit,the pipe connector including: a housing body; a locking member defininga radial flange and positionable on the pipe and the housing; aplurality of sealing members positionable on the pipe between the swagedend section of the pipe and the locking member, the sealing memberscompressible on the pipe between the swaged end section and the lockingmember; and a retaining member attachable: to the pipe and arranged tosecure the locking member to the housing body, the locking member splitinto two or more segments selectively connectable together around thepipe and arranged to lock the swaged end section of the pipe within thehousing so that the locking member fills a gap formed outside thehousing body between a non-swaged section of the pipe and an openingdefined in the retaining member.
 10. The air conditioning system ofclaim 9, wherein the locking member includes a band member positionablewithin a radial groove defined in an outer surface of the locking memberabove the radial flange to secure the two or more segments together. 11.The air conditioning system of claim 9, wherein the pipe comprises atube formed of metal.
 12. The air conditioning system of claim 9,wherein the pipe is configured to convey gaseous refrigerant.
 13. Theair conditioning system of claim 9, wherein the pipe is configured toconvey liquid refrigerant.
 14. The air conditioning system of claim 9,wherein the at least one air conditioning unit comprises an indoor unitand an outdoor unit.